Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Honolulu is 92% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,783/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 23%
$85,428/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 27%
$834,100 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 68%
$1,809/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 27%
346,323
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $22,639/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Honolulu or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and North Charleston?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or North Charleston?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $22,639/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and South Carolina?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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